Don't know where I found this--
http://features.boats.com/boat-conte...3fA.like%22%7D
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Don't know where I found this--
http://features.boats.com/boat-conte...3fA.like%22%7D
Paging Jim Abraham! Jim...You still out there?? Would love to hear any more Lake X stories you may remember? Very interested. Thanks Jim!:thumbsup:
Still here. I'm sure you remember Dave Adams, a boss at one time, at Lake X. He passed away last year. I believe he took over from Gene Wagner or Wayne Meyers. Enjoying your and others posts. Great memories....
John Bakos (Mercury years: 1958 – 1998)
https://mercurymarine-gsdesign1.netd...eek22/john.jpgThe first Mercury factory race boat driver hired by founder Carl Kiekhaefer was a Southern California club racer named John Bakos.
“Johnny” became a go-to guy for Kiekhaefer, supervising construction at Lake X, driving test boats and racing. “I think he liked my determination,” Bakos said.
It was Bakos who took the first MerCruiser sterndrive to individual boat builders to convince them of the value of the new technology; but it was his own record-setting win in the 1962 Miami-Nassau (Bahamas) race that put MerCruiser sales on plane.
Bakos would win races and set records until 1970, when, wanting more stability, he transferred to Fond du Lac, Wis., becoming the first OEM field technical representative, working with boat builders on proper rigging of Mercury product.
“That was my favorite time,” said Bakos, “working with the builders, getting a boat set ‘just so.’ I enjoyed racing when I did it, but I enjoyed getting out.”
courtesy of The Mercury Legacy.
..... and it is, a living document! :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
This thread, started by Steve Sirois , quietly passed "One Half Million Hits!" a few days ago. I don't think that milestone should go unnoticed. It has been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining threads of all time on S & F.
I remember Tom Stickle calling to tell me pictures of his flip of the single Jones in Miami around 1969 were being shown on the internet. Possessing only slightly more savvy than Jackie Wilson on a computer, it took a while before I found what I was looking for. Life at Lake X was one of the first threads I read on S & F and is probably the reason I hung around to share some of my own experiences in outboard racing.
I just want to say "Thank You" to Seeroy for taking all that time to tell his stories. Like any good storyteller, he never let facts get in the way of a good story - that's what makes them so damn much fun. :D
Additionally, thanks Steve for the special OFF treatment you extended my way. You know it was greatly appreciated.
Congratulations on the success of your tread, a whole bunch of us folks have really enjoyed traveling down memory lane with you. :cheers:
Wow! Thanks Bill.
I was told of this thread a few days ago and joined s@f for it. This has been some of the most enjoyable reading Ive had in a while. Much respect for all of the guys who worked at lake x and for kaekhafer/mercury and especially those that raced those insanely powered small boats offshore, Thank you gentleman for all the stories and telling me how our crazy world of offshore racing evolved.
I’m the guy between Leslie and Ridgell. I don’t remember where or when pic was taken.
Russ Gloudeman from Parts and Service Division, Plant #3 which at the time was located in Beaver Dam, WI.
Thanks for the informationQuote:
Originally Posted by R1522
I would think this pic was taken in 66 or 67? Lake X?
The engine is probably one of the new 482/375 production engines--(Mystery Motor?)
http://i64.tinypic.com/qqqpa8.jpg
You did it again Stavros——— sneaked past the five hundred mark without me knowing.Quote:
Originally Posted by willabee
Both you and Willa have helped me approach the middle years with just that bit extra to look forward to.
Enjoyed the banter that goes with boat racing, be it OMC or Mercury.
Heres wishing you and Iris well Steve, keep HEALTHY and happy in the knowledge you created one of the all time great threads on S&F with LIFE AT LAKE X. Sincerely J.
file:///Users/seeroy3/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2014/Aug%209,%202014/image.jpg
Kowabunga my friend
file:///Users/seeroy3/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Modified/2014/Aug%209,%202014/image.jpg
Attachment 395286Attachment 395285Attachment 395284Hi Steve I was thinking of you when I passed by the old Mercury winter testing site at Siesta Key so I took a couple of pictures for you to see the bridge is where the boat house used to be.Quote:
Originally Posted by seeroy
Rusty! You still out there? lol ...You MUST have a story or two to share with everyone. Can't wait. ThxQuote:
Originally Posted by R1522
@seeroy Thank you so much for the incredible journey this thread is!
Greg